Ohio University Student Mason Bohm Found Dead at McDavis Hall as Police Investigate
ATHENS, Ohio — A tragic incident at Ohio University is under investigation after a student was found dead inside McDavis Hall on Monday afternoon.
According to Ohio University Police, officers were notified of the death at approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday, September 14, 2026, at the university’s Athens campus residence hall. The student was identified as Mason Bohm, who was a resident of McDavis Hall. His next of kin has been notified.
Police have not released additional details surrounding the circumstances of Bohm’s death. Authorities have also stated that there is no indication that the death represents a threat to the safety of the university community.
While some reports have described the death as an apparent suicide, authorities have not publicly released details establishing the cause or manner of death. The investigation remains ongoing.
Ohio University responds
Ohio University officials acknowledged the tragedy and emphasized that support is available for students affected by the loss.
“We recognize that this can be a difficult time; our top priority is supporting the health and well-being of our students, and we want you to know that there are University resources that stand ready to support them,” Interim Dean of Students Scott Bye said in a statement.
University police are also asking anyone who recently had contact with Bohm and may have information relevant to the investigation to contact the Ohio University Police Department at 740-593-1911 or police@ohio.edu.
McDavis Hall and Roderick McDavis
The residence hall where the death occurred is named Roderick J. McDavis Hall, honoring Ohio University’s president emeritus and alumnus Roderick J. McDavis. The university is scheduled to hold a grand-opening celebration for the 591-bed residence hall on September 25.
As of publication, no verified public statement from McDavis specifically concerning Bohm’s death could be located. Any statement attributed to him should be confirmed through the university or McDavis before publication.
Mental-health and suicide-prevention resources
Ohio University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides crisis support to students. Students can call 740-593-1616 at any time; after business hours, weekends and holidays, callers can press 1 to speak with a counselor.
Students and others experiencing a mental-health crisis can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Ohio University also lists the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
For an immediate emergency on campus, call 911 or the Ohio University Police Department at 740-593-1911.
The Ohio University community continues to mourn the loss while investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.